Large glazed earthenware rose flower, signed Delphin MASSIER, Vallauris (AM).
Vallauris, on the French Riviera, has been a cradle of French ceramics since the 18th century. The reputation of this region, renowned for its clay soil and the creativity of its workshops, has allowed the Massier family to flourish and experiment with techniques as subtle as they are innovative.
Since the 18th century, the Massier family has formed one of the most famous ceramic dynasties in Vallauris, and Delphin Massier is a pillar of this family. Heir to family know-how passed down from generation to generation, he learned at a very early age how to throw, glaze, and decorate clay.
Delphin Massier (1836-1907) participated in the revival of the decorative arts at the end of the 19th century, using technical innovations brought about by industrialization and colorful decorations, sometimes naturalistic, sometimes orientalist.
One of Delphin Massier’s signatures lies in his audacity. At a time when ceramics were often limited to utilitarian forms, he dared to embrace the figurative, organic, floral, and zoomorphic. Vases, platters, planters: each object became a medium to express an artistic vision. He drew on the spirit of the times, oriental influences, Japonism, and later Art Nouveau, to create a unique aesthetic repertoire.
The colorful glazes, with their shimmering reflections, reflect a love of color, light, and contrast, making each piece a small work of art.
Delphin Massier’s impact extended well beyond his time. His experimentation, thirst for innovation, and inimitable style shaped the ceramic identity of Vallauris, paving the way for great 20th-century artists such as Picasso and Chagall, who found inspiration in the region.
Circa 1900
Vallauris, France
Height: 28 cm
